This blog is about emerging author Melissa Wray and her journey into publication. It also includes great writing tips, useful links and guest author interviews with occasional giveaways.
Melissa hopes there is enough time in her life to write all the stories she wants to write and read all the books she wants to read. Both lists are long!

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Friday, 8 November 2013

Bailey Beats the Blah By Karen Tyrell (Review & Giveaway)

Bailey hates his new school. His tummy aches. He has no friends. His dog Fuzzy slobbers all over him. BLAH!

How can Bailey change his BLAH to HA-HA-HA?

Bailey
Beats the Blah is an empowering mental health picture book for children 4-8
years, spring-boarding emotional awareness and action plans on how to lift a
child’s mood.Bailey features self-esteem
and resilience skills for children, families, teachers, parents and
counsellors. Bailey
is aligned with Kids Matter program
on the National Education Curriculum and supported by counselling service, Kids Helpline.

My children (5
and 7) enjoyed this simple yet empowering story.From the beginning they thought Bailey was
sad. Miss 5 was especially keen to talk about what she thought was happening in
the book. Even going so far as to put her hand up! It was a timely story for
her as she begins school next year.She
even commented with, ‘I would let Bailey
play with me.’

As we read
through the book I was struck by how relatable the story was. As a primary
school teacher I saw how easily it could be used in classrooms. There are
many themes running through the story. Attitude to school, sadness,
apprehension, anxiety, nervousness, feeling scared, being brave, empowerment
and more. It would make a terrific resource for schools.

I also need
to comment on how wonderful the illustrations fit the book. There is a cute
little mouse that makes an appearance that had my kids in stitches!

Overall
Bailey Beats the Blah is a terrific story to read with kids and will create
some great discussions.

Karen is a gifted writer for both children and adults! I look forward to purchasing "Bailey Beats the Blah" for all my friends this holiday season. She is a wonderful mental health advocate as well. I am a mother of two little girls with bipolar disorder and I am so thankful for this bright light.